Sleeping wild in Europe

Sleeping in the wild can be done in many ways. In the open air, in a tent, or in a car. All these options have their advantages and disadvantages. Sleeping in the wild, unfortunately, is not allowed everywhere. This applies to Poland itself as well as to Europe.

Sleeping in the wild – Tips

Choose a good camping spot – Don't be conspicuous. Find a place to spend the night early enough to avoid waking up in someone else's field. Also, it is advisable to pick up early in the morning, especially if you spend the night near people, trails, etc. Avoid camping in large groups.

Leave the place as you found it – Clean up after yourself. Don't destroy nature. Only light a campfire in designated areas.

Stay overnight one night – then change the place. Many countries allow one-day wild overnight stays. If contacted by the police, say that you are temporarily resting and will gather in a few moments.

Sleeping in the wild Europe

The rules for sleeping in the wild vary depending on the country we are in, but also on the form of our overnight stay. Czyi if you are spending the night outdoors, you need to pay attention to the regulations on camping, if you sleep in a tent it may be considered camping, it is still different with sleeping in a car.

In most European countries, wild camping is generally prohibited, especially in national parks, nature reserves and places where signs explicitly prohibit it. However, this does not mean that there is no opportunity for an adventure vacation in nature. Let's start first with countries where it is legal to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars.

These include countries such as Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Estonia, Latvia and Spain. In these countries it is even allowed to pitch a tent and leave it in the same place for several days. Of course, this general permit applies only to state land, not private property. Camping on private land is only possible with the owner's permission, so before you set up camp in someone's field, ask if they have anything against it.

Sleeping wild in Poland

In Poland, as a rule, there is no problem with wild camping. As one of the few countries in Europe, in our country it is possible to spend the night in camping or campervans “in the wild,” that is, outside the designated places and campsites.

However, national parks and scenic parks should be avoided. This is prohibited by the Law on Nature Conservation. Camping is also prohibited in forests. In all of these places there may be exceptions in places designated for this purpose. For more, visit: https://www.lasy.gov.pl/pl/informacje/faq/biwakowanie. In addition, beware of private places.

Sleeping wild in Scandinavia

Norway, Sweden and Finland saying that everyone has the right to contact with nature. It stems from the belief that man is an integral part of nature, while civilization is supposed to coexist with it, not compete.

Wild camping in Scandinavian countries

Wild camping in the Scandinavian countries is a more or less hassle-free experience to be found. Wild camping is not only fully legal, but even recommended. This is due to the famous Allemansrätten(%C3%); a law that exists to give everyone access to nature.

Sweden

According to Allemansrätten, as mentioned, you may camp on private land, but you may not camp near any buildings, and not in gardens or on plots of land surrounding buildings.

Allemansrätten allows you to stay in the same place for several nights before moving on. If you are deep in the forest, you can stay longer without worry.

Allemansrätten only applies to smaller groups, if you are in a large group with many tents, you must ask permission.

Some national parks and nature reserves have specific rules about camping; read the specific rules for your area.

Norway

Sleeping wild in Norway is not very different from Sweden. You must maintain a distance of 150 meters from the nearest inhabited house. If you want to stay longer than two nights, you must ask the landowner for permission, this does not apply if you are staying in the mountains or any other remote area.

During the period from April 15 to September 15, it is prohibited to burn bonfires near or in the woods. With the exception of approved campfire sites or in areas where fire danger is unlikely, such as by the sea and away from trees.

Finland

Finland is also very similar to Sweden and Norway with Allemansrätten. There are some local differences, in general, do not leave trash behind, respect people's properties and homes, and do not harm wildlife.

Albania

Sleeping wild in Albania is permitted and widely accepted. National parks and nature reserves should be avoided. Do not camp near government buildings or on private land.

Austria

You can't camp wild in Austria. But you can make a planned camping trip for one night if you are in an unprotected forest.

So technically, if you have a sleeping bag and not a tent, you can legally camp wild in Austria if you stay outside prohibited areas (national parks or reserves).

Belgium

Wild camping in Belgium is not an option. It is illegal, and on top of that, there is not so much nature in Belgium. There are several campsites in Belgium where you can pitch a tent.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Wild camping in Bosnia and Herzegovina is legal and there are no strict regulations, just be aware of landmines. If you see warning signs for landmines, of course don't pitch your tent in that area.

Bulgaria

Wild camping in Bulgaria is not officially permitted, but is widely tolerated and practiced. Especially if you only stay in the same place for a limited time. If you stay for months, you may have a problem.

Croatia

Wild camping is not allowed in Croatia. In tourist areas, national parks and near beaches, this is quite strictly enforced.

Away from the aforementioned places, however, this is not as strictly enforced, but would still risk a fine.

Since the beginning of 2022, Croatian police have been keeping a tight watch. The fines are 1,500 kuna (about 950 zlotys), or 750 kuna paying in cash on the spot.

Czech Republic

Wild camping here is very similar to regulations in Austria. Tents are not allowed, but camping is permitted for one night. It is even illegal to pitch a tent on private property with the owners' permission, but in such cases the police may “look the other way” if you have explicit permission from the owners.

There are no rules prohibiting overnight stays in the car to restore driving ability. So you can sleep in your car. Despite the fact that in theory it is an unauthorized wild camping site.

Cyprus

Wild camping in Cyprus is legal, except in some protected areas.

Dishes

Unlike other northern European countries, wild camping is not legal in Denmark. You can only camp at designated campsites.

The chances of getting caught are not very good except on beaches where overnight stays are strictly forbidden.

Estonia

Wild camping in Estonia is almost as easy as in Scandinavian countries. On government-owned land, you may freely camp in the same place for a limited time, except in national parks and military areas.

Spain

Overnighting in the wild in Spain can be a bit tricky; the rules are local, not national. The police or “guardia civil” in Spain do not hesitate to impose a fine if you have camped in the wrong place. The country's law states that you can camp wild if you follow certain rules; stay overnight no closer than 100 meters from the sea, avoid national and natural parks, and avoid private property, monuments and military zones.

England

Wild camping in England and Wales is not allowed.

Scotland

((https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/))

France

Wild camping in France is legal, but is more complicated than in the above countries. It's best to consult with your local tourist office to make sure what rules apply in the area you're in.

In short: don't pitch a tent by the sea, make sure you're farther than 200 meters from drinking water reservoirs, and stay away from any historical monuments or sites. Also avoid national parks and private properties.

Sleeping in a Van. In 2020, a new law was established. Specifically regarding sleeping in a car with a gross vehicle weight of less than 3.5 t((https://spidersweb.pl/autoblog/francja-kamper-przepisy-spanie-na-dziko/)). In my opinion, it is more applicable to transport professionals, no less you must keep in mind that the regulations are general. In practice, if you get caught by the police, say you repaired the headliner in your car.

Germany

Wild camping in Germany is very similar to Austria. Wild camping is forbidden, but each state has its own laws regarding nature and forest protection. It is worth learning about them before going on vacation.

Greece

Wild camping in Greece is prohibited by law. But tolerated in some areas.

However, in researching this, it seems that people agree that wild camping is quite tolerable for both locals and officials, as long as you stay away from tourist areas, roads and popular beaches.

Hungary

Overnight camping in the wild in Hungary is prohibited. But you can pitch a tent for 24 hours.

Iceland

Sleeping wild in Iceland is allowed, but not really recommended, as you can't camp on any private land, and in Iceland most land is private. The exception is when the landowner permits this form of accommodation

Ireland

You can't camp wild in Ireland. However, you may find some areas in remote areas where this is tolerated.

Italy

Wild camping in Italy is not very bright. Rules and regulations apply at the local level, not the national level. So it varies from region to region. You probably won't have any problems with one night in nature. Staying in the same place for many nights can get you into trouble.

Kosovo

Wild camping in Kosovo is not officially prohibited or legal.

Latvia

Sleeping in the wild in Latvia is accepted. Just stay away from national parks, private areas and dunes with vegetation. If, in addition to this, you respect nature and your surroundings, do not make loud noises or play loud music, etc., You will not have any problems and can enjoy wild camping in Latvia.

Just watch out for signs prohibiting wild camping, some local regulations may apply in different regions of Latvia.

Lithuania

Sleeping wild in Lithuania or very similar to the wild camping rules in Latvia. It is legal in many places with some restrictions. Local regulations may also apply, so watch for signs prohibiting wild camping.

Luxembourg

Wild camping is illegal in Luxembourg, and the law is strictly enforced.

Malta

Wild camping in Malta is not legal and is not widely tolerated either.

Macedonia

Wild camping in Macedonia is not allowed, but is tolerated in most areas.

Montenegro

Wild camping is prohibited in Montenegro, but is tolerated in many areas. Just stay away from national parks and beaches. In general, it's a good idea to stay away from tourist areas.

Netherlands

Wild camping in the Netherlands is not legal and there is not that much wilderness in which to do it. There are several campsites where you can legally pitch a tent.

Portugal

Wild camping in Portugal is illegal, but up to 2 days in one place should do the trick. This may be easier in the off-season if you stay away from the beaches.

Slovakia

You can do camping in Slovakia. But you must stay away from national parks and other protected areas. Open flames should also be avoided.

Slovenia

Wild camping is not allowed in Slovenia. However, if you ended up doing it outside of any national parks or protected areas. You probably won't have any problems in the process.

Switzerland

Wild camping is prohibited in valleys, residential areas and forests. But you can also find local exceptions to this.

Romania

Wild camping in Romania is not allowed, but completely tolerated.

Turkey

Wild camping in Turkey is completely legal and there are almost no restrictions. The Tourism Chamber of Turkey also has a wealth of information on wild camping.

Sleeping wild in Eastern Europe

Most countries in Eastern Europe have no laws or regulations on wild camping. Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova are countries that don't really have any laws prohibiting wild camping, so you can camp anywhere. Exceptions may be national parks.

Russia

Sleeping in the wild in Russia is legal with such exceptions as church land, private land and near bodies of water.

In addition, you are free to camp and even light a campfire (which may be forbidden in some dry summer months). Don't stay more than one night in the same place.

However, it is important to remember the registration requirement in Russia. Failure to have the required registration is punishable by a fine and, in the case of prolonged residence without registration, even deportation.

Where to find a place to sleep

In this case, websites o raz applications, such as:

park4night.com (also an app, link available on the site)
Application: Wild Camping
Application: Caravanya
Application: stayFree vanlife

Sleeping in the wild